Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in support of the application by the City of Jefferson on behalf of Why Not Us, LLC, for an upper story living project in the Centennial Block building owned by the group of investors. Awards totaling $2,639,538 were announced by IEDA for projects in five communities across the state.
The City of Jefferson was awarded $453,071 in CDBG funds on behalf of Why Not Us, LLC to assist with the $503,071 project for two one-bedroom apartments with anticipated completion expected by spring 2024. CDBG grants are awarded based on benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, financial need, project impact and readiness, and commitment of local resources to the project.
“Region XII Council of Governments (COG) is pleased to have authored the successful CDBG grant application for the Why Not Us group,” said Region XII COG executive director Rick Hunsaker. “Grant writing for our local governments is one of our core services, and there is no better day than when we are able to help a city or county leverage funds that will improve their communities.”
The city of Jefferson approved the grant at its council meeting on March 14, 2023. According to Karla Janning of Region XII COG, the next step for the project will be the development of architectural plans and specifications by Franks Design Group in hopes the project will be ready for public bidding by late summer.
The CDBG program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. IEDA is responsible for administering CDBG funds in non-metropolitan areas of the state.
